professional pitcher who was called into service in World War II with the U.S. army in 1942, shortly after he joined the Boston Braves. He returned to the Braves in 1945 and became one of the greatest pitchers. Spahn, who played until he was 44, won a total of 363 games, a record for left-handed pitchers. He ranks fifth in total victories. In 1973 he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.